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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

7.9K

Airway and Blood Monocyte Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals an Antiviral Phenotype in Infants With Severe Respiratory

K Chappin1, S B Besteman2, M P Hennus3

  • 1Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|November 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection activates antiviral responses in both airway and blood monocytes. This study reveals RSV promotes monocyte migration, potentially contributing to severe disease in children.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in young children.
  • The precise role of monocytes in RSV pathogenesis remains unclear.
  • Understanding monocyte involvement is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the function of monocytes in severe RSV infections.
  • To compare transcriptomic profiles of blood and airway monocytes during RSV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Collected tracheobronchial aspirates and blood samples from pediatric patients with and without RSV.
  • Isolated monocytes (CD14+) for RNA sequencing and transcriptomic profiling.

Main Results:

  • RSV-infected monocytes exhibited heightened expression of antiviral and interferon-responsive genes.
  • Shared cytokine signaling pathways were observed in both blood and airway monocytes.
  • Airway monocytes displayed enhanced upregulation of genes associated with migration and inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • The interferon response to RSV extends from the airways to peripheral blood monocytes.
  • RSV infection triggers a transcriptional program that promotes monocyte migration.
  • Further research into monocyte responses could lead to novel therapeutics for severe RSV disease.
Abstract

Keywords:
RSV infectioninnate immunitymonocytespediatric diseasetranscriptomics

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